As a Health Care and Social Services Policy Analyst with the Department of National Defence, you will develop, analyze, and recommend policies that support the health and social well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. You'll work on evidence-based policy development, regulatory compliance, and program implementation across a range of health care and social services initiatives. Your work directly impacts the quality of life and operational readiness of military personnel and veterans. In this role, you'll collaborate with senior leadership, subject matter experts, and stakeholders across government to shape policy directions that align with DND priorities and federal health care standards.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include researching policy issues, analyzing current practices and legislation, preparing policy briefs and recommendations, and monitoring the implementation of approved policies. You'll gather and interpret data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in health care delivery and social services programs. You may also coordinate consultations with internal and external partners, draft correspondence, and provide technical expertise to support policy decisions at various organizational levels.
You'll work in a professional office environment, primarily at a DND location such as National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa or a regional office. The role requires strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively within government processes and timelines. You'll be part of a team committed to evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement in military health care and social services.
Key Responsibilities
Provide general health care and social services services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
A bachelor's degree is the typical minimum requirement for this position. Preferred fields of study include health sciences, public health, social services, policy studies, public administration, nursing, or a related discipline. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Professional certifications are not typically mandatory but may be advantageous depending on your background. For example, credentials in project management (PMP), public policy, health administration, or social services can strengthen your candidacy. Within the Department of National Defence, you'll have access to professional development opportunities, including training in policy development, government processes, data analysis, and specialized health care topics relevant to military populations.
The Government of Canada provides tuition support and learning leaves for eligible employees pursuing further education or certifications related to their work. You may also participate in DND-sponsored courses on military culture, ethics, security protocols, and specific policy frameworks. Ongoing professional development is encouraged to keep your skills current with evolving health care practices and policy trends.
Entry Plans
Entry into this position typically occurs through public service staffing competitions. The Public Service Commission (PSC) conducts these competitions to identify qualified candidates from both inside and outside the federal government. You can monitor open competitions on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND careers website.
If you're already a federal public servant, you may apply as an internal candidate, which can streamline the selection process. The Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) also manages lateral deployment pools that allow qualified employees to move between departments. Recent graduates may find opportunities through programs like the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which can lead to permanent positions.
Veterans and other priority candidates may be eligible for targeted recruitment initiatives. We encourage you to check the DND careers portal regularly for competitions at the appropriate classification level (typically AS-02 or AS-03) and to prepare a strong application highlighting your policy analysis experience, research capabilities, and knowledge of health care or social services systems.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for many positions within DND, subject to operational requirements and management approval. Telework (remote work) is common for policy analyst roles, particularly when focused on research, analysis, and report writing. Many positions offer a hybrid model combining office and remote work days.
Flexible work schedules, compressed work weeks, and job-sharing arrangements may be negotiated with your manager depending on the needs of your team and the nature of your duties. The Public Service Labour Relations Act and collective agreements provide frameworks for these accommodations. During the initial recruitment and training phases, you may be required to work on-site more regularly to build relationships and understand organizational processes.
Family-friendly benefits such as leave provisions (parental, compassionate, sick leave) and access to the Public Service Health Care Plan support work-life balance. We recommend discussing flexible arrangements with your hiring manager during the onboarding process, as options can vary by location and specific team requirements.
